By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
13 Oct 2012

F. Michael Haynie

Playbill.com's series features actors commenting on their recent theatregoing experiences, what productions they are looking forward to and more. Here, via email, we hear from singing actor F. Michael Haynie, who is currently making his Broadway debut as Boq in Wicked.

What show recently impressed you? If you haven't seen Peter and the Starcatcher yet, stop reading this and run to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 47th St. What Roger Rees and Alex Timbers have created, with the help of a spectacular writing and design team, is one of the most amazing and exciting ensemble performances by an acting troupe I've ever seen. Now, while all of the principals are singularly talented, every member was vital to the storytelling of this beautiful piece. It's shows like this and Once that make me wish there was a Tony for "Performance by an Ensemble."

What production are you most excited to see?The Mystery of Edwin Drood! A Murder Mystery Musical with a sweepingly thrilling score. Not to mention the stellar cast! Rivera, Block, Chase, Mueller, Wolfe, and more? Plus you get to vote for three different plot points that change every night?!?! I cannot wait to see it multiple times. Here's hoping that Wicked and Drood have dissimilar show schedules! This may be a revival, but the original won several Tonys including Best Musical, so I'm so glad that this brilliant show by Rupert Holmes is gonna be back in action!

What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play? My favorite shows and characters are the new ones being written every day by the phenomenal writers and teams working here in New York, but that's not the answer you're asking for, so: I would love to be a part of reviving Sweeney Todd again. When you watch the video of George Hearn and Angela Lansbury, or listen to the cast recording with Len Cariou, the score alone begs to be heard live! Then add the spectacular book, the ensemble-driven story, the horror, the Broadway orchestra, and you're ready to go. Standing on stage at the Gershwin every night I imagine what it must have sounded like when the company bellowed, "Swing your razor wide," into the sea of patrons. To be a part of remounting that mammoth production would be a dream. And since I'm not quite old enough to try and tackle Sweeney, I'd want to play Toby. Getting the opportunity to play Toby would be a challenge that would excite me eight times a week. What a strange and deranged and unique role to tackle. Plus, Sondheim is always a good answer!

Advertisement

What are your current/upcoming projects? Currently I am working with three of my best friends (Alex Brightman, Drew Gasparini and Andrew Kober) on a new show that, for now, we are calling The Untitled Morontourage Project. More info will be out about it soon. Aside from that, I'm also working on my own music (not musical theatre... I'm not that brave/crazy). I have a video page where I release new original songs and covers, including guest stars and surprises. For a taste of my music, you can visit YouTube.com/SongsintheKeyofF and to keep up with upcoming concerts or events you can follow me on Twitter @fmichaelhaynie.